The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-02-19
Nor for a second word await,

Nor for second word await,
But, eager, FASTENED to obey,
And thus were raised without delay
Those armies great, that held at bay
The Union hosts for many day.
But Robert Lorn debated long,
Which was the right, and which the wrong;
Could ever hostile arms be borne
By one who bore the name ofLorn
Against his native land?
Could he such glorious names forget
As Washington or Lafayette?
Against the land for which they fought,
The land to which they freedom brought,
Lift up rebellious hand?
Had not Virginia given birth
Unto the greatest men of earth,
And sent her heroes by the score
Unto that old and famous war
That despotism overthrow,
And sent its fame the broad earth through?
Should now Virginia's armies strive
The country that they made TO rive?
Yet can he raise hostile hand,
Can he in hostile legions stand,
Against his native state?
Can he his very home o'erthrow,
His very kindred's homes lay low.
Ruin and desolate?
Against brother. though revolt
That brother bravely follows2 Nay,
May not within the ranks of gray,
Called forth by patriotic fire,
Be found his venerable sire?
No; and whatever be the cost,
Still he will join rebellion's host.
Thus he decided but before
He entered in the bloody war,
He went last farewell to take
Other, for whose beloved sake
He would have suffered every pain
That war inhicts, nor eer complain,
Fair Helen Lee, whose noble mind
Was ever gentle, meek and kind,
Yet brave and fearless when 1t CHANGED
That threatened danger near advanced.
When Robert brought the tidings dread,
That DER the nation war had spread
His blighting curse, her soul was fired,
And with the noblest thoughts inspired,
To do the little that she might
To aid the cause she thought was right;
Yea, CO." she said, though we must part,
Thy country calls away, depart
Go, hasten hence, and give thine aid
To those already now arrayed,
Their homes and country to defend
Against tnS uduBeTS lnht lmpenu,
And in the battles awful roar
Remember what thou fghtest for;
Strike for thy home, thy native land,
Lead on to victory thy band,
For her thou lowest strike, nor stay
Thine arm, until the bloody day
Is won, and victory is sure,
And we from danger are secure;
But little it's that l can do,
The aids that I can give but few
But thou, and they that thou wilt lead,
Can turn and backward roll with speed
The tide ofruin threatening now,
Until the foe shall, hum5led. bow
Before virginia's conqlering host,
Nor more their bravery vainly boast;
Now hence, and ever shall for thee
Arise the prayer IF Helen Lee;
iod's blessing Ever on thee lay,
Through eyeiy bitter, bloody fray,
Ind when is quenched wars fearful flame
Thou shalt return thy bride to claim;
Dhen peace and joy shall with us dwell,
sut now awhile we bid farewell"
hen fastened Robert to the fray,
md Joined the Southern ranks of gray;
lis heart beat high with hope to gain
Iigh honor on the battle plain,
o onward with his legions press,
ntil upon him smiled success
nd death, or victory was won, 4
nd all his country's trials done; !
hen soon the deadly strife began
there dark Manassas swiftly ran,
nd where rebellion brave and bold,
he loyal legions backward rolled
be victory of the Southern arms
He'd all the North with dark alarms I